Where to Find the Best Grilled Cheese in Philadelphia

Our favorite variations of the classic comfort food at city eateries

Nostalgic and consistently comforting, the grilled cheese is an understated iconic sandwich.

Many diners have fond childhood memories of a crisp, gooey grilled cheese paired with steaming bowl of tomato soup, a food tradition still found at many restaurants. The basic preparation of the perfect grilled cheese remains largely unchanged: sliced bread and cheese toasted to a perfect golden brown on a greased surface.

As tastes evolve and ingredients improve, variations of the griddled delight have grown in number. Today, many Philadelphia eateries put their own spin on the classic, using artisanal cheeses, house-made breads and a wild array of accouterments.

Regardless of how its prepared, the grilled cheese remains a timeless classic.

To help you discover the ultimate grilled cheese, we’ve put together a few of our favorite variations found at Philadelphia eateries, below.

Meltkraft

Throngs of cheese aficionados line up for the gourmet grilled cheese of Meltkraft, located toward the rear of Reading Terminal Market and at a location in Rittenhouse Square. Using a selection of delectable handmade cheeses from Valley Shepherd Creamery in New Jersey, Meltkraft makes some of the most gloriously gooey grilled sandwiches around. Try one of their signature combinations like the Valley Thunder, topped with aged cheddar, brisket and baked mac & cheese, or make own cheesey creation.

The Milk House

Commuters can grab comfort on-the-go at Milk House located in Philadelphia’s Suburban Station, 30th Street Station or at its location in Rittenhouse Square. The small stop features a wide range of grilled cheese from the classic to their namesake pressed sandwich topped with grilled chicken and jalapenos. Complete your indulgent meal with a cup of homemade soup and a milkshake made with hand-spun ice cream.

Di Bruno Bros.

Di Bruno Bros. are among the city’s foremost experts when it comes to cheese. Since 1939, the expert cheesemongers at Di Bruno have been providing Philadelphia with more than 150 varieties of high-quality cheese. With so much cheese experience under their belt, you can bet Di Bruno has a life-altering grilled cheese. Get a savory sandwich in one of their Philadelphia locations.

High Street on Market

Consistently garnering high praise for their housemade breads and fresh ingredients, High Street on Market has raised the bar when it comes to grilled cheese. Dubbed the “Best Grilled Cheese Ever,” High Street’s variation of the classic comfort food is deceptively simple: PA noble cheese and cultured butter used to toast their roasted potato bread.

Say Cheese

A food truck dedicated to the art of the grilled cheese, Say Cheese has their own house blend of cheeses for their savory griddled sandwich. The menu and location change daily, but expect variations topped with bacon, pork belly and more.

Tired Hands Brewing Company

Tired Hands Brewing Company has a fantastic selection of craft beers on tap and their Brew Cafe serves a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches featuring a rotating selection of toppings on fresh bread made in-house. Be sure to check out the Fermentaria during your visit.

Tired Hands Brewing Company’s Fermenteria has a variety of grilled sandwiches topped with melty cheese and bread made in-house, not to mention a great selection of brews. (Photo courtesy Tired Hands Brewery)

Alla Spina

The menu at Marc Vetri’s Italian beer bar-inspired restaurant on North Broad Street tends to favor rich flavors — including a recent iteration of grilled cheese. Made with butternut squash, taleggio, fontina and truffled maple syrup, Alla Spina’s grilled cheese is the perfect blend of savory and sweet.

South Philly Tap Room

South Philly Tap Room knows a thing or two about comfort food. They keep it simple and classic when it comes to grilled cheese: three different types of cheese and a cup of tomato lager soup. Add a side of pickles and fries and you have a meal worth repeating.

Rex 1516

The influence of southern cuisine can be found in a majority of the soul-warming dishes at Rex 1516, but it is the housemade Pimento Cheese that sets this South Street West restaurant apart from the others. Typically found on the burgers, the smooth pimento cheese is spread onto bread for a bar-only grilled cheese during happy hour.

Little Spoon Cafe

Little Spoon Cafe brings fresh fare and in-house pastries to the South Street West neighborhood. Brunch- and lunch-goers can get their grilled cheese fix with a sandwich of house-cured bacon, tomato, cheddar and provolone cheese with tomato-bacon jam.

Dadz Grilled Cheese

Roving the city serving up gooey grilled cheese, Dadz offers a variety of cheesy sandwiches to curb your appetite. Go for your choice of cheese for the classic variety or try one of their variations like Dadz Panama Pepper topped with pepper jack, caramelized onions, bacon and Panama pepper sauce.

Found at various locations throughout the city, Dadz Grilled Cheese has plenty of variations of the savory sandwich, but the classic will always satisfy. (Photo courtesy Dadz Grilled Cheese)

Jones

Classic comfort food is the star at Jones in Old City. Cozy up to a big bowl of tomato soup with a grilled cheese made with fontina and cheddar or try the “hold the beef” burger made with grilled halloumi cheese and avocado on a brioche bun.

Visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell? You are steps away from a classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combo at Jones. (Photo courtesy Jones)

Silk City

Expanding from a diner to a nightclub to a beer garden, Silk City in Northern Liberties has maintained its satisfying menu featuring fresh spins on diner classics. Their grilled cheese is no exception, as it comes with swiss, provolone and American cheese on sliced brioche with tomato. Add-on bacon or country ham if you’re feeling adventurous.

Part diner, part nightclub, part beer garden, Silk City in Northern Liberties is a perfect spot for grabbing a bite to eat and dance the night away. (Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)

Le Bus

Le Bus knows a thing or two about bread, which is essential when it comes to building the perfect cheese. Head to their Rittenhouse Square location for a delectable grilled cheese or pick up a loaf of one of their specialty breads at various locations throughout the city and create your own signature grilled cheese at home. Pro tip: Le Bus bread and Di Bruno Bros. cheese were made for each other.

Wedge + Fig

As a cheese-bistro, Wedge + Fig has an extensive selection to choose from when it comes to grilled cheese. Let your imagination run wild at their Grilled Cheese Bar featuring a wide-range of cheeses, breads and optional toppings including tomatoes, fried jalapeños, truffled honey, bacon and much more.

Royal Tavern

The beer is cold and the food is simply delicious at Royal Tavern, which is why it has been a mainstay in the city’s Bella Vista neighborhood for many years. The elevated pub fare includes a gourmet grilled cheese featuring a mixture of provolone, smoked gouda and goat cheese. Balance all that cheese with a fresh cup of the soup of the day.

Good Dog Bar

The extensive beer selection, delicious bar food, pool table, darts and more make Good Dog Bar and Restaurant a perfect spot for happy hours, dinner and late-night fun. The smoky brisket grilled cheese with sharp cheddar makes the Center City spot a perfect stop for a great sandwich, too.

Farmicia

With a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, Farmicia in Old City has a number of fresh dishes to choose from, including two different grilled cheese sandwiches during lunchtime. Pick from Amish cheddar on multi-grain or goat cheese on sourdough and satisfy your need for cheese.

Luke’s Lobster

How do you make a grilled cheese better? Add lobster, of course. Luke’s Lobster in Rittenhouse has made waves with their fresh Maine-style lobster rolls and now they are elevating the traditional grilled cheese using meat from the New England crustacean. Using Maine-made white bread, Luke’s variation is made with Gruyère and topped with giant pieces of fresh lobster before being grilled to perfection.